Symptoms can include abdominal pain, a fever, and a feeling of malaise, the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK pointed out. Other signs of a flare-up can include: mouth ulcers, skin rashes, joint pain and swelling. Meanwhile, the consistency of your faeces could signal it is time to call for “emergency care”. Passing “watery poo” could be a sign you need to seek “urgent” treatment from your medical team.
Facts about Crohn’s disease
Estimates predict that Crohn’s disease affects one in every 650 people in the UK.
While the disease can begin at any age, symptoms of the condition usually first appear between the ages of 10 to 40.
Crohn’s is believed to be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Diet
- Smoking
- Medications
- Stress.
Due to the ongoing inflammation and healing of the bowel, scar tissue can form.
“Up to eight in 10 people with Crohn’s will need to have surgery at some point in their lives,” health charity Crohn’s and Colitis noted.
Reasons for surgery can include poor response to drug or nutritional treatment, strictures, abscesses, or cancer of the large bowel.
As with any type of surgery, there are risks involved, such as infections.
If you are yet to create a personalised support plan, contact your IBD team as soon as possible.